U.S. patent application number 17/245530 was filed with the patent office on 2021-08-12 for method and apparatus for removing wrapping from rolls.
The applicant listed for this patent is Core Link AB. Invention is credited to Nils Strandh.
Application Number | 20210245382 17/245530 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005553563 |
Filed Date | 2021-08-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20210245382 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Strandh; Nils |
August 12, 2021 |
METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR REMOVING WRAPPING FROM ROLLS
Abstract
In a method for removing a wrapping, such as plastic film, from
a roll of material an apparatus is used, which has a roll
supporting unit, and a cutting means. The roll supporting unit is
configured to rotate the roll supported thereon, and the cutting
means is movable into cutting abutment against the envelope surface
of the supported roll for removal of the wrapping during rotation
of the roll.
Inventors: |
Strandh; Nils;
(Gullbrandstorp, SE) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Core Link AB |
Falkenberg |
|
SE |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000005553563 |
Appl. No.: |
17/245530 |
Filed: |
April 30, 2021 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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15899075 |
Feb 19, 2018 |
|
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17245530 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B26D 2210/11 20130101;
B65H 2301/4604 20130101; B65H 2301/4189 20130101; B26D 1/045
20130101; B65H 2301/46044 20130101; B65H 19/105 20130101; B65H
2301/46043 20130101; B65H 16/08 20130101; B26D 3/10 20130101; B65B
69/0033 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B26D 1/04 20060101
B26D001/04; B65B 69/00 20060101 B65B069/00; B65H 16/08 20060101
B65H016/08; B26D 3/10 20060101 B26D003/10; B65H 19/10 20060101
B65H019/10 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Feb 22, 2017 |
SE |
SE 1750189-1 |
Claims
1-18. (canceled)
19. A method for removing a wrapping from a roll of material, said
roll having a center axis, a cylindrical roll body, a first roll
body end portion with a first roll end gable, a second roll body
end portion with a second roll end gable, and a roll envelope
surface, said wrapping having an envelope portion covering said
roll envelope surface, a first end portion covering said first roll
end gable and a second end portion covering said second roll end
gable, the method comprising the steps of: moving a single cutting
means into abutment against the wrapping at said first roll body
end portion such that the wrapping is punctured; rotating the roll
about its center axis over a rotational angle (.phi.) less than 360
degrees, at the same time as the wrapping is cut by the cutting
means at said first roll body end portion, the cutting means
inclining and forming an end portion cutting angle (.alpha.) in
relation to a plane perpendicular to said center axis of said roll
during cutting of the first end portion or the second end portion,
wherein the first end portion of the wrapping is not completely cut
off by the cutting means by the end portion cutting angle
(.alpha.); moving the cutting means axially along the center axis
of the roll towards said second roll body end portion and at the
same time rotating the roll about said center axis such that the
wrapping on an envelope surface of the roll is cut in a helical
manner, wherein the wrapping on the envelope surface of the roll is
cut with the cutting means, the cutting means further inclining and
forming an envelope surface cutting angle (.beta.) in relation to
the plane during cutting of the envelope portion, wherein said
envelope surface cutting angle (.beta.) is larger than said end
portion cutting angle (.alpha.); and rotating the roll further
about its center axis over the rotational angle (.gamma.) less than
360 degrees, at the same time as the wrapping is cut by the cutting
means at said second roll body end portion, the cutting means
forming said end portion cutting angle (.alpha.), such that the
wrapping is cut off the roll in one continuous piece.
20. The method of claim 19, wherein the cutting means is inclined
by said envelope surface cutting angle (.beta.) during the cutting
of the wrapping along the envelope surface of the roll.
21. The method of claim 19, wherein said envelope surface cutting
angle (.beta.) is between 5 and 25 degrees.
22. The method of claim 21, wherein said envelope surface cutting
angle (.beta.) is between 10 and 20 degrees.
23. The method of claim 22, wherein said envelope surface cutting
angle (.beta.) is approximately 15 degrees.
24. The method of claim 19, wherein the wrapping on the respective
roll body end portions is cut for less than a 360 degree rotation
of the roll, with the cutting means inclined by the end portion
cutting angle (.alpha.) which is between 0 and 10 degrees, in
relation to said first end gable of said first roll body end
portion.
25. The method of claim 24, wherein the end portion cutting angle
(.alpha.) is between 0 and 5 degrees.
26. The method of claim 25, wherein the end portion cutting angle
(.alpha.) is between 0 and 2 degrees.
27. The method of claim 19, wherein the wrapping is gripped by a
collecting means, and wherein the cut off wrapping is gathered by
the collecting means.
28. The method of claim 19, wherein the rotational angle (.phi.) is
more than 270 degrees and less than 360 degree.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a divisional application of U.S. Ser.
No. 15/899,075, filed on Feb. 19, 2018, which claims priority to
Swedish Patent Application No. 1750189-1 filed on Feb. 22, 2017,
the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference
as if recited in their entirety.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present invention relates to a method of stripping or
removing a wrapping from a roll of material, as well as an
apparatus for such stripping/removal.
BACKGROUND
[0003] In the industries of e.g. diapers or sanitary pads, a paper
material such as roll pulp may be used as fill or absorption
material. The producers receive the material wound on a core or
sleeve and wrapped in a wrapping, in most cases a plastic wrapping
with the purpose to maintain the moisture level of the
material.
[0004] In the current situation, the wrapping is removed manually
by means of a knife. This is not an optimal procedure, since
handling a knife is a safety risk and may expose the operator for
injuries in the working environment. Many companies wish to exclude
operator used knives from their production sites, and internal
company prohibitions exist. An apparatus using a person holding a
cutting tool such as a knife in order to remove a protective layer
from an end surface of a roll is disclosed in WO 93/17946.
[0005] Hence, there is a need to find a way of removing the
wrapping from a roll of material in a safe and yet efficient
manner.
SUMMARY
[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide a new
method for stripping or removing a wrapping from a roll of material
which is improved over prior art and which eliminates or at least
mitigates the drawbacks discussed above. More specifically, an
object of the invention is to provide such a method for stripping
that is safe and yet efficient. Another object of the invention is
to provide an apparatus for stripping or removal of wrapping. These
objects are achieved by the technique set forth in the appended
independent claims with preferred embodiments defined in the
dependent claims related thereto.
[0007] In a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a
method for removing a wrapping, such as plastic film, from a roll
of material.
[0008] The roll has a cylindrical body, a first roll body end
portion with a first end gable, and a second roll body end portion
with a second end gable. The method comprises the steps of: [0009]
Moving a cutting means into abutment against the wrapping at said
first roll body end portion such that the wrapping is punctured.
[0010] Rotating the roll about its center axis over a rotational
angle from 270 to 360 degrees, at the same time as the wrapping is
cut by the cutting means at said first roll body end portion, the
cutting means forming an end portion cutting angle relative said
first end gable of the first end portion. [0011] Moving the cutting
means axially along the center axis of the roll towards said second
roll body end portion and at the same time rotating the roll about
said center axis such that the wrapping on an envelope surface of
the roll is cut in a helical manner. The wrapping on the envelope
surface of the roll is cut with the cutting means forming an
envelope surface cutting angle relative said first end gable of
said first end portion. The envelope surface cutting angle is
larger than the end portion cutting angle. [0012] Rotating the roll
further about its center axis over the rotational angle from 270 to
360 degrees, at the same time as the wrapping is cut by the cutting
means at said second roll body end portion, the cutting means
forming said end portion cutting angle.
[0013] Thereby, the wrapping is cut off the roll automatically and
in one continuous piece. This method is advantageous since the
wrapping is cut off the roll automatically and in one continuous
piece. There is thus no need for a knife to be used. This also
facilitates the handling of the leftover wrapping material.
[0014] The cutting means may be inclined by the envelope surface
cutting angle during the cutting of the wrapping along the envelope
surface of the roll. Thereby, the envelope surface of the roll may
be cut in a helical manner.
[0015] In one embodiment, the envelope surface cutting angle is
between 5 and 25 degrees, preferably between 10 and 20 degrees, and
most preferred approximately 15 degrees. Depending on the diameter
of the roll, different envelope surface cutting angles are
preferred, in order to get a balance between speed of operation and
a manageable width of the cut off wrapping. The larger diameter of
the roll, the smaller the angle required.
[0016] In one embodiment, the wrapping on the respective roll body
end portions is cut for less than a 360 degree rotation of the
roll, with the cutting means inclined by the end portion cutting
angle which is between 0 and 10 degrees, preferably between 0 and 5
degrees, and most preferred between 0 and 2 degrees, in relation to
said first end gable of said first roll body end portion. It
facilitates the removal of the end portions of the wrapping since
they do not get caught around the end portions of the roll.
Thereby, the wrapping is kept in one piece, comprising two end
portions and a spiral-shaped portion there between.
[0017] Preferably, the wrapping is gripped by a collecting means,
and the cut off wrapping is preferably gathered by the collecting
means. It is preferred to use a collecting means to gather the cut
off wrapping since it provides for a fully automated process of
removing the wrapping. In another embodiment, the cut off wrapping
is taken care of by a worker, which may be preferred in other
situations.
[0018] In a second aspect, there is provided an apparatus for
removal of wrapping, such as a plastic film, from a roll of
material. The roll has a cylindrical body, a first roll body end
portion with a first end gable, a second roll body end portion with
a second end gable and an envelope surface. The apparatus comprises
a roll supporting unit configured to rotate the roll supported
thereon, and a cutting means, which during rotation of the roll is
movable into cutting abutment against the envelope surface of the
supported roll and along a center axis of the roll. The cutting
means is configured to form an end portion cutting angle relative
the first end gable of the first end portion and to form an
envelope surface cutting angle relative the first end gable of the
first end portion. The envelope surface cutting angle is larger
than the end portion cutting angle, such that the wrapping is
automatically removable in one piece during the rotation of the
roll. This apparatus is favourable in that it automatically
provides for removal of the wrapping from the roll in one
continuous piece. The apparatus provides a possibility to cut the
wrapping in a helical manner both along the envelope surface of the
roll and/or along the end surface portions, whichever is preferred.
This facilitates an efficient removal of the wrapping.
[0019] In another embodiment, the apparatus further comprises a
conveyor arranged to transport the roll to the roll supporting
unit, and/or from the roll supporting unit. This is favourable if
the apparatus is designed as a part of a process line. The conveyor
can transport the roll from a receiving station, to the unwrapping
station, and further along the process line.
[0020] Preferably, the roll supporting unit comprises at least two
rotatable cylinders arranged to apply a lifting force to the roll.
This is advantageous in that the roll is free to rotate on the
cylinders. If it has been transported by the conveyor, it is lifted
from the conveyor, to become rotatable.
[0021] Further, the apparatus preferably comprises a carrier for
supporting the cutting means. This is advantageous in that the
cutting means becomes movable along the roll. The roll is
stationary during the cutting procedure, and the cutting means is
moved.
[0022] In one embodiment, the end portion cutting angle is between
0 and 10 degrees, preferably between 0 and 5 degrees, and most
preferred between 0 and 2 degrees. This provides for the cutting
means to be inclined at different angles during the cutting
procedure, which may be advantageous when cutting different
portions of the wrapping.
[0023] Preferably, the roll of material comprises paper material,
preferably roll pulp material. This is a material often used in
e.g. diapers and other sanitary products.
[0024] The cutting means may comprise a cutting blade or knife.
This is advantageous when puncturing the wrapping.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0025] Embodiments of the invention will be described in the
following; references being made to the appended diagrammatical
drawings which illustrate non-limiting examples of how the
inventive concept can be reduced into practice.
[0026] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a stripping apparatus,
[0027] FIG. 2 is an end view of the stripping apparatus in FIG.
1;
[0028] FIG. 3 is a side view of the stripping apparatus in FIGS.
1-2;
[0029] FIG. 4 is a side view of a roll of material disclosing
cutting means inclinations;
[0030] FIG. 5 is a side view of a stripping apparatus according to
further embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
[0031] Hereinafter, certain embodiments will be described more
fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. The invention
may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be
construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather,
these embodiments are provided by way of example so that this
disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the
scope of the invention, such as it is defined in the appended
claims, to those skilled in the art.
[0032] In FIGS. 1-3, an apparatus 1 for stripping, unwrapping or
removing a wrapping 2 from a roll 3 of material is shown. The roll
3 is a cylindrical roll having two ends or gables 7a, 7b and an
envelope surface 6. The roll 3 has a longitudinal, central axis
(A), around which the roll 3 is rotatable.
[0033] The apparatus 1 has a stripping station 12 where a roll 3 is
placed in order to be stripped from its wrapping 2. In this
embodiment, the roll 3 comprises roll pulp wound about a core
cylinder (not shown). The thickness of each layer of roll pulp is
approximately 1-2 mm. The shown roll 3 is wrapped in a plastic film
2 for preserving the moisture level in the material. In other
embodiments, the roll 3 may be wrapped in plastic, with an extra
plastic reinforcement around an end periphery, or with protective
discs of corrugated paper incorporated in the wrapping at the end
surfaces, i.e. top and bottom surfaces or the gables 7a, 7b, of the
roll 3.
[0034] Furthermore, the apparatus 1 comprises a roll supporting
unit 4 and a movable cutting means 5. In this embodiment, the
apparatus 1 also comprises a conveyor 8, whereas in other
embodiments (not shown) this is omitted.
[0035] The roll supporting unit 4 comprises two horizontal
rotatable lifting cylinders 9a, 9b. At least one of the cylinders
9a, 9b is driven by a drive unit (not shown). If only one of the
cylinders 9a, 9b is driven, the other one is freely rotatable.
Alternatively, both lifting cylinders are driven by the drive unit.
In the shown embodiment, one of the cylinders 9b is driven. At
least one of the lifting cylinders 9a, 9b is horizontally movable
towards/from the other cylinder 9a, 9b. In the described
embodiment, only one of the cylinders 9a is horizontally movable.
In the shown configuration, it is favourable to keep the driven
cylinder 9a non-moving, since it is more cumbersome and causes more
wear on the drive unit if it is moved back and forth. In other
embodiments, it may instead be advantageous to let the driven
cylinder 9a be moveable. The conveyor 8 is arranged between and
extends in the same direction as the two lifting cylinders 9a, 9b,
see FIG. 2.
[0036] The apparatus 1 further comprises two horizontal rotatable
support cylinders 13a, 13b included in a carrier 14 and preferably
having the same length as the roll 3. The cutting means 5 is
arranged vertically in between the two support cylinders 13a, 13b.
In the described embodiment, the cutting means 5 is suspended on
the carrier 14 which is arranged movably on a vertical rack 15. The
support cylinders 13a, 13b are also arranged on the rack 15, but
they are not movable along the rack 15, instead they are only
movable into abutment against the roll 3. The cutting means 5 is
thus movable between the non-moving support cylinders 13a, 13b. In
another embodiment (not shown), the cutting means 5 and the support
cylinders 13a, 13b may be arranged on one rack each, or in any
other suitable manner.
[0037] When a roll 3 is placed in the stripping station 12, it is
lifted or elevated by the lifting cylinders 9a, 9b. The length of
the lifting cylinders 9a, 9b is less than the length of the roll 3.
This is best seen in FIG. 3. The length of the support cylinders
13a, 13b is the same as the length of the roll 3.
[0038] The cutting means 5 is here illustrated by a disc shaped,
circular blade. In other embodiments, the cutting means 5 may be
differently shaped or alternatively designed. The cutting means 5
is movable in four ways:
[0039] 1) Towards/from the roll 3, this movement may be a linear
movement, e.g. in the radial direction, towards the roll 3, or a
curve shaped, rotary movement towards the surface of the roll 3.
This movement is accomplished either by moving the cutting means 5
alone, i.e. moving the carrier 14, or by moving the rack 15, or a
combination of both.
[0040] 2) Axially back and forth in parallel along a longitudinal
axis A of the roll 3, from a first end portion 10 of the roll 3
towards a second end portion 11. This movement is accomplished by
moving the cutting means 5, i.e. moving the carrier 14, along the
rack 15.
[0041] 3) Vertically inclinable in relation to a plane of a base
portion 7a, 7b of the roll 3. This movement is accomplished by
inclining the carrier 14. In another embodiment, it could be
accomplished by inclining the rack 15.
[0042] 4) Rotatable around its own center axis. The cutting means 5
may thus rotate when it is in contact with the roll 3. In another
embodiment (not shown), means for securing the rotatable cutting
means 5 such that it cannot rotate may be provided.
[0043] The cutting means 5 is preferably spring-loaded such that a
preferred and pre-determined pressure is applied to the plastic
wrapping 2 of the roll 3. The pressure should be enough to puncture
the wrapping 2, which possibly is wrapped in several layers, but
not too deep into the underlying material. A person cutting the
wrapping 2 manually according to prior art by means of a knife may
cut to deep, whereas it is easier to apply a predetermined amount
of pressure by means of a spring-loaded and possibly computer
controlled cutting means 5 of the type described herein.
[0044] An alternative apparatus may comprise only one support
cylinder (not shown). The cutting means 5 may be located close to a
floor surface instead of being elevated as in the described
embodiment. In yet another embodiment, the cutting means 5 may be
arranged flush with the floor surface (not shown). An elevated
position is advantageous, though, in that it is a comfortable
height for a maintenance worker. A position close to or submerged
into the floor is advantageous in that the occupied space is
smaller compared to the elevated position, and that it provides
more options regarding the further configuration of the processing
line.
[0045] The explanatory apparatus described above is operated in the
following manner.
[0046] A roll 3 of wrapped material, preferably roll pulp, is
transported by the conveyor 8 to the stripping station 12 in a
direction marked with arrow B in FIG. 1. The lifting cylinders 9a,
9b cooperate such that the roll 3 is elevated a distance from the
conveyor 8. This is accomplished by reducing the horizontal
distance between the cylinders 9a, 9b by moving the movable
cylinder 9a closer towards the non-movable cylinder 9b. The driven
cylinder 9b is then made to rotate such that the roll 3 is being
rotated on the cylinders 9a, 9b in a rotational direction marked
with arrow C in FIG. 1. Alternatively, the cylinders 9a, 9b are
rolling constantly, also when the roll 3 of wrapped material is
moved to the stripping station 12, and when it is being elevated.
Preferably, the roll 3 rotates such that it moves in an upwards
direction passing the cutting means 5. See arrow C in FIGS. 1 and
2.
[0047] The cutting means 5, directed substantially in parallel to a
plane of the gables 7a, 7b of the roll 3, moves into cutting
abutment against the envelope surface 6 of the up-lifted and
rotating roll 3. In another embodiment, the cutting means 5 is
first moved, and thereafter, the roll 3 is made to rotate.
[0048] Enough pressure is exerted such that the plastic wrapping 2
is punctured. If the wrapping 2 comprises several layers of plastic
film, all layers are cut through.
[0049] From the moment the cutting means 5 cuts through wrapping 2,
the roll 3 is let to rotate a maximum of less than 360.degree..
Preferably, the roll 3 rotates .phi. degrees (See FIG. 2), where
270.degree.<.phi.<360.degree., at the same time as the
wrapping is cut by the cutting means 5.
[0050] The gable portion 16a of the wrapping 2 is gripped, either
by an operator 18, a collecting means (not shown) or by an
industrial robot (not shown).
[0051] In this embodiment, the cutting means 5 is in contact with
the roll 3 of wrapped material when it is being inclined, and the
rotation of the roll 3 continues during the inclination of the
cutting means 5. In another embodiment, the cutting means 5 is
moved away from the roll 3 of wrapped material, inclined, and then
brought back into cutting abutment with the roll 3 such that the
wrapping 2 is cut by the inclined cutting means 5.
[0052] The cutting means 5 is moved by the carrier 14 along the
rack 15, in parallel with the axis A of the roll 3, at the same
time as the roll 3 continues to rotate. By having the cutting means
5 moving along the roll 3 while being inclined at the same time as
the roll 3 rotates, the wrapping 2 is cut in a helical manner on
the envelope surface 6 of the roll 3. While the cutting procedure
is performed the operator 18, collecting means or a robot pulls the
cut off wrapping 2. E.g. the wrapping 2 may be directly disposed of
in e.g. a container, or wound to a ball or skein before being
disposed of, or it may be gathered in any other suitable way.
[0053] When the cutting means 5 has reached the second end portion
11 of the roll 3 and thus has cut the wrapping 2 along the envelope
surface 6 of the roll, the cutting means 5 is inclined back to its
initial position, in parallel with the plane of the gables 7a, 7b
of the roll 3. The cutting means 5 thereafter cuts the plastic
wrapping 2 for a rotation of .phi. degrees around the roll 3 (FIG.
2), where preferably 270.degree.<.phi.<360.degree.. Thus, the
wrapping 2 is cut off from the roll 3 and it is free to be gathered
by the operator 18, collecting means 100 or robot, and being
disposed of, either as trash or for recycling.
[0054] In an alternative embodiment, shown in FIG. 4, the wrapping
2 is cut at the end portions 10, 11 a small distance axially in on
the envelope surface of the roll 3 with the cutting means 5
inclined by an angle of .alpha. degrees in relation to a plane
perpendicular to the axis A of the roll 3. Further, the wrapping 2
on the envelope surface 6 of the roll 3 is cut with the cutting
means 5 inclined by an angle of .beta. degrees. Preferably
0.degree..ltoreq..alpha.<10.degree., more preferably
0.degree..ltoreq..alpha.<5.degree. degrees, and most preferred
0.degree..ltoreq..alpha.<2.degree., and preferably
5.degree.<.beta.<25.degree., more preferably
10.degree.<.beta.<20.degree., and most preferred .beta. is
approximately 15.degree., and .beta. is larger than .alpha.. A soft
transition between the two inclinations is thus obtained.
[0055] In summary, the method comprises the following steps:
[0056] 1) Cutting the wrapping 2 at the first end portion 10 for a
rotation of .phi. degrees of the roll 3, where
270.degree.<.phi.<360.degree..
[0057] 2) Cutting the wrapping 2 along the envelope surface 6 of
the roll 3 with the cutting means 5 inclined while the roll 3 is
rotating.
[0058] 3) Cutting the wrapping 2 at the second end portion 11 for a
rotation of .phi. degrees of the roll 3, where
270.degree.<.phi.<360.degree..
[0059] The cutting means 5 may be either substantially parallel or
inclined by the angle .alpha. in relation to the planes of the
gables 7a, 7b of the roll 3 during step 1 and 3.
[0060] The result is a continuous piece of wrapping 2 comprising
two gable portions and a helical envelope surface there between
which can be removed in an efficient manner, either by the operator
18, or mechanically by the collecting means 100 or industrial
robot.
[0061] The person 18 in the figures is for illustrative purposes
only, since the size of the described roll 3 becomes more apparent
with a normally sized person 18 as comparison. In other
embodiments, the size of the roll may be smaller or larger. The
human operator 18 can easily be exchanged for one or more
industrial robots or any other suitable mechanical means, such as
different sensors.
[0062] As an alternative to the method described above, the
rotation of the roll 3 is stopped when the cutting means 5 is
adjusted for the different cutting maneuvers, while the cutting
means 5 is retracted from the surface of the roll, adjusted, and
then brought back into contact with the roll 3.
[0063] In another embodiment, shown in FIG. 5, the roll 3 which is
placed in the stripping station 12 is positioned on one of its end
surfaces 7b. The roll 3 is rotatably arranged, e.g. on a rotatable
disc 19, such that it can rotate around its longitudinal axis. The
stripping apparatus 1 has the same features as in the previously
described embodiments, but is now vertically arranged. The cutting
means 5 is movable in the vertical direction, such that the
envelope surface 17 of the wrapping 2 is cut in a helical manner
when the roll 3 is being rotated. The top end portion 16a of the
wrapping is cut in the same manner as previously described. The
bottom end portion 16b of the wrapping is cut by a 360.degree.
rotation of the roll, such that the wrapping 2 is separated into
two parts. The first part, comprising the envelope surface 17 of
the wrapping 2 and the top end surface 16a of the wrapping, are
removed by a worker, or by a collecting means (not shown). The
bottom end portion 16b of the wrapping 2, located on the bottom end
surface 7b of the roll 3, is preferably removed when the roll 3 has
been transported away from the unwrapping station 12.
Alternatively, both end portions 16a, 16b of the wrapping is cut as
described in the first embodiment, such that the wrapping is
removed in one cohesive piece. Then, the cohesive piece of wrapping
2 is removed completely first when the roll 3 has been transported
away from the stripping station 12.
[0064] As an alternative (not shown), the roll 3 is not rotatably
arranged. Instead, the rack 15 on which the cutting means 5 is
provided is rotatable around the roll 3 such that the envelope
surface 17 of the wrapping 2 is cut in a helical manner.
[0065] As another alternative (not shown), the above described
method may also be carried out without the conveyor 8. The roll 3
may be transported to the stripping station 12 by other means such
as lift trucks or corresponding transportation means.
[0066] In another embodiment, the apparatus 1 is provided with a
programmable control unit (not shown). The apparatus 1 may also be
provided with a bar code reader (not shown) or other scanning
sensor which reads a barcode (not shown) provided on the roll 3 by
the manufacturer. In this way, the control unit may ensure that a
predetermined pressure is applied to the roll 3 by the cutting
means 5, that the roll 3 is lifted to a predetermined height by the
lifting cylinders 9a, 9b, that the cutting means 5 is inclined a
predetermined degree etc. The pressure, the lifting height, the
inclination etc. may be predetermined values, or they may be
determined by the information given in the bar code, read by the
barcode reader.
[0067] Possibly, the apparatus 1 is provided with a control panel
(not shown) which is operated by an operator.
FURTHER ASPECTS, EMBODIMENTS AND VARIANTS
[0068] In the following, certain aspects, embodiments and variants
of the inventive concept are set forth in a number of clauses.
[0069] 1. A method for removing a wrapping (2), such as plastic
film, from a roll (3) of material, the method comprising the steps
of: [0070] moving a cutting means (5) into abutment against the
wrapping (2) at a first end portion (10) of the roll (3) such that
the wrapping (2) is punctured, and [0071] moving the cutting means
(5) axially along a longitudinal axis (A) of the roll (3) towards a
second end portion (11) of the roll (3) and at the same time
rotating the roll (3) such that the wrapping (2) on an envelope
surface (6) of the roll (3) is cut in a helical manner.
[0072] 2. The method of clause 1, wherein the cutting means (5) is
inclined by an angle (.beta.) during the cutting of the wrapping
(2) along the envelope surface (6) of the roll (3), wherein said
inclined angle (.beta.) follows: 5.degree.<.beta.<25.degree.,
preferably 10.degree.<.beta.<20.degree., and most preferred
said inclined angle (.beta.) is approximately 15.degree..
[0073] 3. The method of clause 1 or 2, wherein the wrapping (2) on
the respective end portions (10, 11) is cut for less than a
360.degree. rotation of the roll (3), with the cutting means (5)
inclined by an end cutting angle (.alpha.) of
0.degree..ltoreq..alpha.<10.degree., preferably
0.degree..ltoreq..alpha.<5.degree., and most preferred
0.degree..ltoreq.a <2.degree., in relation to a plane of an end
surface (7a, 7b) of the roll (3), such that the wrapping (2) is
removable in one integral piece.
[0074] 4. The method of any of the preceding clauses, wherein the
wrapping (2) is gripped by a collecting means (100), and wherein
the cut off wrapping (2) is gathered by the collecting means
(100).
[0075] 5. An apparatus for removal of wrapping (2) from a roll (3)
of material, the apparatus comprising:
[0076] a roll supporting unit (4), and
[0077] a cutting means (5),
[0078] wherein the roll supporting unit (4) is configured to rotate
the roll (3) supported thereon and wherein the cutting means (5) is
movable into cutting abutment against an envelope surface (6) of
said supported roll (3) for removal of the wrapping (2) during
rotation of said roll (3).
[0079] 6. The apparatus according to clause 5, wherein the cutting
means (5) is movable along a longitudinal axis (A) of the roll (3)
and vertically inclinable in relation to a plane perpendicular to
said axis (A) of the roll (3) such that a cut surface provided by
the cutting means (5) is inclined compared to said plane.
[0080] 7. The apparatus of clauses 5 or 6, further comprising a
conveyor (8) arranged to transport the roll (3) to the roll
supporting unit (4), and/or from the roll supporting unit (4).
[0081] 8. The apparatus of any one of the clauses 5-7, wherein the
roll supporting unit (4) comprises at least two rotatable cylinders
(9a, 9b) arranged to apply a lifting force to the roll (3).
[0082] 9. The apparatus of any one of the clauses 5-8, further
comprising a carrier (14) for supporting the cutting means (5).
[0083] 10. The apparatus of any one of the clauses 5-9, wherein the
cutting means (5) is tiltable by an angle, wherein
0.degree..ltoreq..alpha.<10.degree., preferably
0.degree..ltoreq..alpha.<5.degree., and most preferred
0.degree..ltoreq..alpha.<2.degree., in relation to a plane
perpendicular to said axis (A) of the roll (3).
[0084] 11. The apparatus of any one of the clause 5-10, wherein the
wrapping (2) comprises a plastic wrapping or film.
[0085] 12. The apparatus of any one of the clauses 5-11, wherein
the roll (3) of material comprises paper material, preferably roll
pulp material.
[0086] 13. The apparatus of any one of the clauses 5-12, wherein
the cutting means comprises a cutting blade or knife (5).
[0087] Modifications and variations of the embodiments of the above
invention that would be obvious to a person of ordinary skill in
the art are deemed to be within the scope of the present invention
the nature of which is to be determined from the above description
and the appended claims.
* * * * *